League of Legends Season 2023: A Deep Dive into the Metamorphosis

League of Legends Season 2023 marked a year of substantial changes, impacting everything from ranked play and itemization to map rotations and champion selection. Riot Games implemented a variety of updates aimed at improving player experience, enhancing competitive integrity, and keeping the game fresh for its massive player base. The core changes revolved around a split ranked season, significant item reworks (especially for ADCs), and the cyclical rotation of maps in associated game modes like Valorant.

The Split Ranked Season: A Double Dose of Competition

The most impactful change was undoubtedly the introduction of a two-split ranked season. Traditionally, a single ranked season lasted for the entire year. In 2023, Riot divided the year into two distinct splits, each with its own reset and associated rewards. This decision was made to give players more opportunities to climb, address issues with early-season stagnation, and maintain player engagement throughout the year. At the end of each split, players experience a soft rank reset, providing a fresh start and encouraging continued participation. This also allows players to earn ranked rewards more frequently, increasing the incentive to play consistently.

Ranked Rewards Revamped

Beyond the split season structure, the criteria for earning ranked rewards also saw a significant shift. The Gold Rank requirement for ranked skins was removed, making them accessible to all players regardless of their final rank. Instead, players can earn these skins and their chromas (matching their rank) simply by playing a large number of ranked games. This change democratized the reward system and allowed more players to feel a sense of accomplishment for their efforts.

Itemization Overhaul: The ADC Ascendancy

Season 2023 brought substantial changes to Mythic items, particularly those favored by AD Carries. These adjustments were designed to address long-standing balance issues and create more diverse build paths for marksman champions. While the specific item changes are too numerous to list exhaustively, the general focus was on increasing ADC agency, providing better defensive options, and improving build flexibility. Items were re-tuned, removed, and added to the game to achieve these goals. Lethality items and enchanter items were also impacted by these changes.

Map Rotations: A Breath of Fresh Air

While primarily associated with Riot’s tactical shooter Valorant, the concept of map rotations also indirectly influenced League of Legends. Although LoL doesn’t have traditional map rotations in the Summoner’s Rift game mode, similar principles of environmental changes were tested in other game modes and events throughout the year. These rotations aimed to prevent stagnation, introduce fresh strategic challenges, and keep the gameplay experience dynamic. This is in-line with the lessons learned about learning and engagement in video games, as studied by educational organizations such as the Games Learning Society and discussed on GamesLearningSociety.org.

Clash Updates: Enhanced Competitive Experience

Clash tournaments received several updates in Season 2023, including new rewards and improved organizational features. The LoL Worlds 2023 Clash introduced an additional Loot Capsule as a reward, containing exclusive cosmetic items. These changes aimed to enhance the competitive experience for Clash participants and provide more valuable incentives for teams to compete.

Other Notable Changes and Additions

• Champion Additions and Revisions: As always, Season 2023 saw the release of new champions and the rework of existing ones, further diversifying the champion pool and introducing new gameplay mechanics.

• Lolesports Drops: Viewers of official Lolesports broadcasts could earn in-game rewards (drops) by watching live matches on the Lolesports website, provided they were logged in and opted-in for Drops and Rewards.

• Mystery Champion Missions: Riot introduced limited-time missions centered around “Mystery Champions,” providing players with clues and challenges to unlock rewards. These added a fun, exploratory element to the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about League of Legends Season 2023

1. What was the biggest change in League of Legends Season 2023?

The most significant change was the introduction of the two-split ranked season, effectively dividing the year into two distinct ranked periods with separate resets and rewards.

2. Did the ranked reward system change in Season 2023?

Yes. The Gold Rank requirement for ranked skins was removed. Players could now earn the skin and rank-themed chromas simply by playing enough ranked games.

3. What major item changes occurred in Season 2023?

The Mythic item system, particularly for AD Carries, underwent significant adjustments. Riot aimed to diversify build paths, increase ADC agency, and provide better defensive options through re-tuned, removed, and newly added items.

4. How did the map rotations work in League of Legends Season 2023?

While not a direct rotation of Summoner’s Rift, the concept of map rotations influenced other game modes and events, introducing temporary changes to keep the gameplay experience fresh.

5. What were the rewards for participating in LoL Worlds 2023 Clash?

In addition to the standard Clash rewards, the LoL Worlds 2023 Clash offered an additional Loot Capsule containing exclusive cosmetic items.

6. When did Split 1 of League of Legends Season 2023 end?

Split 1 of Season 13 ended on July 17, 2023.

7. How do ranked coins work in League of Legends?

Ranked Coins are a form of currency earned through ranked play that can be used in the Ranked Store. They do not expire between seasons, allowing players to save up for desired items.

8. How many champions are in League of Legends?

As of 2023, there are over 160 champions available to play.

9. What account level do I need to be to play ranked?

You need to be at least Account Level 20 to access Competitive Mode.

10. Can I get drops by watching VODs of Lolesports broadcasts?

No, drops are only available during live broadcasts, not VODs. You must be logged in and opted-in for Drops and Rewards.

11. Are Lolesports drops tradable?

No, drops themselves are not tradable, but the items you receive after opening them may be tradable depending on the item.

12. What is a soft reset in League of Legends?

A soft reset is a partial rank reset that occurs at the beginning of each ranked split. It’s less impactful than a full reset and aims to encourage continued play and competition.

13. When did the League of Legends Season 2023 start?

For most major regions, the ranked season started on January 11, 2023.

14. Is it possible to save up Ranked Coins and use them in the next season?

Yes, Ranked Coins stay with you from season to season.

15. How often does Riot release new champions or rework existing ones?

Riot Games consistently releases new champions and reworks existing ones throughout the year. The frequency varies, but they aim to keep the champion pool fresh and balanced.